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Fetal germ cell development in humans, a link with infertility
Sylwia M Czukiewska1, Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes2
1Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|April 18, 2022
Summary
Understanding fetal gamete development is crucial for fertility. This review synthesizes mammalian studies and human stem cell research to illuminate early gametogenesis and its links to infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gametes (oocytes and sperm) are essential for reproduction and transmitting genetic information.
- Formation of functional gametes relies on fetal development processes.
- Direct study of human fetal germ cells is limited by ethical and accessibility issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize knowledge on human fetal germ cell development.
- To compare findings from mammalian models (mouse, monkey, pig) with human studies.
- To discuss early female gametogenesis and its connection to later infertility.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature from mammalian species.
- Integration of data from human pluripotent stem cell models.
- Analysis of advancements in single-cell omics technologies.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in understanding human fetal germ cells through stem cell models and omics.
- Identification of cell types and molecular signatures in developing human gonads.
- Insights gained from comparative studies across different mammalian species.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of human fetal gametogenesis has advanced considerably.
- Dysregulation during early gametogenesis can lead to infertility.
- Comparative mammalian and human stem cell studies are vital for future research.
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